Rectangle is a powerful, open-source window management app for macOS. It helps you quickly organize your windows by snapping them to different screen sections, making multitasking easier and your workspace more organized. Whether you're working with multiple applications or want to keep your desktop tidy, Rectangle provides an efficient solution for resizing and managing windows with keyboard shortcuts or drag-and-drop gestures.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through installing Rectangle and highlight its key features that can help you optimize your workflow and increase productivity.
✅ How to Install Rectangle on macOS
1. Download the App
2. Install Rectangle
- Open the downloaded
.dmg file and drag Rectangle into the Applications folder.
- Launch Rectangle from your Applications folder.
3. Grant Accessibility Permissions
- macOS will prompt you to grant Accessibility permissions for Rectangle.
- Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility, and enable Rectangle to allow it to control windows.
4. Configure Preferences
- After launching Rectangle, you’ll see the Rectangle icon in your menu bar. Click it to access Rectangle Preferences and configure your settings:
- Set custom shortcuts for window snapping
- Configure the behavior of window resizing
- Adjust options for automatic window management
🧠 Must-Know Features of Rectangle
🖱 1. Snap Windows to Halves and Quarters
Rectangle offers easy window snapping by simply dragging windows to the edges of your screen. This will automatically resize them to:
- Left or right half of the screen
- Top-left, top-right, bottom-left, or bottom-right quarter of the screen
You can also use keyboard shortcuts for these actions.
🔑 2. Keyboard Shortcuts for Window Management
Rectangle makes window management fast and efficient with a variety of keyboard shortcuts. Some of the default shortcuts include:
Control + Option + Left Arrow: Snap the window to the left half of the screen.Control + Option + Right Arrow: Snap the window to the right half.Control + Option + Up Arrow: Maximize the window.Control + Option + Down Arrow: Restore the window to its original size.
You can also customize these shortcuts from the Preferences menu.
🧭 3. Move Windows Between Monitors
Rectangle allows you to move windows across multiple monitors quickly. Use keyboard shortcuts to move windows from one monitor to another without any hassle, making it perfect for those with dual or multi-monitor setups.
💡 4. Resizable Grid Snapping
Rectangle supports grid snapping, allowing you to resize windows to specific grid sections on your screen. This helps you maintain an organized workspace by precisely controlling the size and placement of windows.
You can configure the grid size in Rectangle Preferences to meet your needs.
⏩ 5. Multiple Predefined Window Sizes
Rectangle offers several predefined window sizes, such as:
- Fullscreen
- Half-screen (left, right)
- Quarter-screen (top-left, bottom-right)
- These options help you quickly arrange windows in a way that suits your multitasking habits.
🧳 6. Save and Restore Window Layouts
While Rectangle doesn’t have built-in layout saving like some other apps, you can quickly rearrange your windows into preset layouts by using the keyboard shortcuts or drag gestures.
For more advanced layout management, you may consider combining Rectangle with other tools like Moom or Magnet.
💻 7. Resizable Windows with Drag-and-Drop
If you prefer using the mouse over keyboard shortcuts, Rectangle also allows you to drag windows to the edges of the screen to automatically resize them. This drag-and-drop feature makes it easy to organize your workspace visually.
🔄 8. Easy Customization
Rectangle offers easy customization for both window snapping and keyboard shortcuts. In Rectangle Preferences, you can:
- Customize the grid snapping size
- Adjust the window movement behavior
- Set new keyboard shortcuts for different snapping actions
This flexibility lets you adapt Rectangle to your unique workflow.
🎨 9. Dark Mode Support
Rectangle supports macOS dark mode, ensuring that the app fits seamlessly into your system’s interface preferences. It automatically switches between dark and light modes based on your macOS settings.
🖥 10. Lightweight and Free
Rectangle is a free, open-source tool that doesn’t consume many system resources. Unlike some other window managers, it’s designed to be minimalistic and efficient, without slowing down your Mac or using too much battery.
💡 Bonus Tip: Pair Rectangle with Mission Control
Combine Rectangle with macOS’s Mission Control to enhance window management further. Use Mission Control to quickly switch between desktops and Rectangle’s window snapping to organize your workspace.
🚀 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, free, and efficient window management tool for macOS, Rectangle is an excellent choice. Its easy-to-use features like window snapping, keyboard shortcuts, and multi-monitor support will help you streamline your workspace and boost productivity.
Whether you're a developer, designer, writer, or just someone who needs to manage multiple windows at once, Rectangle’s intuitive design and keyboard-centric approach make it an essential tool for any macOS user.